Antler moutning kit

ABSTRACT

An antler mounting kit is used to display antlers obtained from an animal. The antler mounting kit comprises a body that is formed from a polymer and that replicates natural contours of at least a portion of a head of the animal. A mounting base is fixed relative to the body and is positioned to support the antlers in an anatomically correct position that replicates antler position on the head of the animal. The body defines a cutout extending along the mounting base for receiving a base of the antlers. A cover replicates natural contours of a portion of the head of the animal and abuts the body and covers the cutout for concealing the base of the antlers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The subject patent application claims priority to and all the benefitsof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/398,462 filed on Jun. 25,2010 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/455,493 filed onOct. 21, 2010, the entire disclosures of each being expresslyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention includes an antler mounting kit for displayingantlers obtained from a live animal.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many big game animals, such as deer, elk, moose, etc., have antlers andbig game hunters often display antlers from animals that they harvest.Antlers are displayed in a variety of ways. One such way is to mount theantlers to a plaque and to cover a skull plate of the antlers with acovering such as felt or leather. Another more expensive way to displaythe antlers is referred to as a European mount in which the skull iscleaned and bleached to display the antlers. A yet more expensive way todisplay the antlers is with a taxidermy mount. For the taxidermy mount,a taxidermist will remove and tan the hide of the animal and place thehide on a form that looks similar to the animal. The antlers are thensecured to the form so that the hide and the antlers resemble theanimal.

Both the European mount and the taxidermy mount typically require theexpertise of a professional taxidermist who charges fees for suchservices. As such, the expense of the European mount and the taxidermymount can be prohibitive to some hunters. Many hunters reserve theEuropean mount or the taxidermy mount for large sized antlers.

Still, some hunters who harvest animals with large sized antlers cannot,or choose not, to spend the money associated with the European mount orthe taxidermy mount. Further, the hunter who harvests an animal withsmall or average sized antlers is even less likely to spend the moneyassociated with the European mount or the taxidermy mount due to alessened desire to display the antlers. In both of these situations, thehunter can attempt to avoid taxidermy costs by mounting the antlers tothe plaque and covering the skull plate with a covering of felt orleather, as set forth above; however, this technique can be tedious,requires the undesirable step of cleaning the skull plate, and resultsin a less grand presentation of the antlers. As such, many antlers arenot displayed due to the lack of an inexpensive and easy way of mountingantlers. Accordingly, there remains an opportunity to manufacture animproved product for displaying antlers and a method of doing the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

The present invention includes an antler mounting kit for displayingantlers obtained from a live animal. The antler mounting kit comprises abody that is formed from a polymer and that replicates natural contoursof at least a portion of a head of the live animal. A mounting base isfixed relative to the body and is positioned to support the antlers inan anatomically correct position that replicates antler position on thehead of the live animal. The body defines a cutout extending along themounting base for receiving a base of the antlers. A cover replicatesnatural contours of a portion of the head of the live animal and abutsthe body and covers the cutout for concealing the base of the antlers.

Accordingly, a user can easily and quickly mount antlers to the antlermounting kit in an aesthetically pleasing way. Further, the antlermounting kit can be easily and quickly manufactured without timeintensive and expensive steps such as tanning the hide of the animal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated,as the same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of an antler mountingkit and antlers;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of the first embodiment of antlermounting kit;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a portion of the first embodiment of the antlermounting kit including antlers mounted to the antler mounting kit;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion of the first embodiment of the antlermounting kit including a cover concealing a base of the antlers;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the antlermounting kit with antlers displayed on the antler mounting kit;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a thermoforming tool and a sheet ofplastic for forming the first embodiment of the antler mounting kit;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the thermoforming tool deforming thesheet of plastic;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the sheet of plastic along line 7-7 in FIG.6A;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the antlermounting kit and antlers;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mold for forming the antler mountingkit of the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like partsthroughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows an antler mounting kit 10 fordisplaying antlers 12. The antlers 12 are typically obtained from a liveanimal (not shown), e.g., a once-living animal harvested by a hunter.The antlers 12 can be, for example, antlers 12 obtained by a hunter andthe antler mounting kit 10 is configured to receive and support theantlers 12 for display, e.g., as a trophy. The antlers 12 shown in FIGS.3-5 and 9 are antlers 12 from a white-tailed deer; however, it should beappreciated that the term “antlers” includes any type of antler, horn,tusk, etc., permanent or deciduous, from any type of animal. The antlers12 are alternatively replica antlers that are not obtained from a liveanimal. As set forth further below, a first embodiment of the antlermounting kit 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-7 and a second embodiment of theantler mounting kit 10 is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Similar elements inthe first and second embodiments are identified with common numerals.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5 and 8, the antler mounting kit 10 includes abody 14 defining a cutout 16 for receiving a base 18 of the antlers 12and a cover 20 that covers the cutout 16 for concealing the base 18 ofthe antlers 12. As best shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 8, the base 18 of theantlers 12 typically includes a bridge 22 between two antlers 12 that isformed from a portion of the skull of the animal. The cover 20 coversthe bridge 22 to conceal the bridge 22 from visibility. Alternatively,although not shown in the Figures, the two antlers 12 can be separatedfrom the skull of the animal, in which case the base 18 of the antlers12 is the portion of the antler that attaches to the skull and the cover20 conceals the interface between the base 18 of the antlers 12 and thebody 14. For example, shed antlers, i.e., antlers 12 naturally droppedfrom the skull of the animal at the end of the mating season, can becollected and displayed with the antler mounting kit 10.

The body 14 replicates the natural contours of at least a portion of ahead of the live animal and the cover 20 replicates natural contours ofa portion of the head of the live animal to cover 20 the cutout 16. Inother words, when combined the body 14 and cover 20 can be shaped toanatomically replicate the shape of the type of animal from which theantlers 12 originate. For example, in the embodiments shown in FIGS.1-5, and 8, the antlers 12 are from a white-tailed deer and, as such,the body 14 and cover 20 anatomically replicate the shape of a portionof a white-tailed deer. As set forth above, the antlers 12 can be fromany type of animal and the body 14 and cover 20 can be shaped toanatomically replicate any type of animal. In FIGS. 3-5 and 9, the body14 and cover 20 replicate the neck and head of the animal, typicallyreferred to as a shoulder mount. Alternatively, the body 14 and cover 20can anatomically replicate a larger portion of the animal such as, forexample, half of the animal or the whole animal. The body 14 and cover20 can also replicate any type of pose that the animal may assume. Forexample, the pose shown in FIGS. 1-5 is that commonly referred to inindustry as upright straight and the pose shown in FIG. 9 is thatcommonly referred to in industry as left turn semi-sneak.

The body 14 typically includes features such as ears 62 and eyes 64. Asset forth further below, the ears 62 and/or the eyes 64 can be formedseparately from the rest of the body 14 and subsequently attached to therest of the body 14 or, alternatively, can be integrally formed with therest of the body 14. The formed ears 62 and eyes 64 resemble ears andeyes, respectively, of the live animal.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4 and 8, a mounting base 24 is typicallydisposed in or on the body 14 and is positioned to support the antlers12 in an anatomically correct position. In other words, when the antlers12 are supported by the mounting base 24, the antlers 12 on the antlermounting kit 10 resemble the type of animal from which the antlers 12originated. The mounting base 24 reinforces the body 14 to support theantlers 12.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4 and 8, the mounting base 24 isfixed relative to the body 14 and the body 14 defines the cutout 16extending along the mounting base 24. In other words, the mounting base24 is aligned with the cutout 16 such that the base 18 of the antlers 12can be positioned in the cutout 16 and attached to the mounting base 24either spaced from the mounting base 24 or in direct contact with themounting base 24, as set forth further below. The mounting base 24 istypically positioned relative to the body 14 to support the antlers 12in an anatomically correct position that replicates antler position onthe head of the live animal.

As set forth further below, the mounting base 24 is typically formedseparately from the body 14 and subsequently affixed to the body 14. Themounting base 24 can be formed of, for example, wood, plastic, metal,etc. Alternatively, the mounting base 24 can be integrally formed withthe body 14, i.e., formed together simultaneously or at substantiallythe same time so as to form a single part. When formed integrally withthe body 14, the mounting base 24 is typically formed of the same typeof material as the body 14 and is typically formed to be thicker and/ordenser than the rest of the body 14 to support the antlers 12.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 8, the mounting base 24 includesfeatures for rigidly attaching to the antlers 12. For example, when theantlers 12 include the bridge 22, the mounting base 24 can include atleast one screw 26 that extends through the bridge 22 of the antlers 12and into the mounting base 24. Typically a hole 28 is formed in thebridge 22 to receive the screw 26. The mounting base 24 can includefeatures, such as holes (not shown), for receiving the screws or thescrews can be configured to be self-drilling. As an alternative or inaddition to the screw 26, the mounting base 24 can include any type ofclip, tie-down, adhesive, etc., for affixing to the antlers 12. When theantlers 12 do not include the bridge 22, i.e., are separated, theantlers 12 can be mounted to the mounting base 24 with screws, posts,adhesive, clips, tie-downs, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 8, the body 14 includes an outward surface30 that presents a coloration pattern (not numbered). Merely forillustration purposes so that other features can be adequately shown,the coloration pattern is not shown on the outward surface 30 of FIGS.1-4. The coloration pattern is typically different than a natural colorof the live animal. In other words, when the coloration pattern isdifferent that the natural color of the live animal, the colorationpattern is not intended to duplicate the natural color of the liveanimal but is instead intended to present the antler mounting kit 10 asa novelty item. The cover 20 typically presents a coloration patternmatching the coloration pattern of the body 14. The coloration patterncan be, for example, a hunting camouflage pattern. For example, thecoloration pattern can be natural camouflage, winter camouflage, pinkcamouflage, leafy camouflage (also referred to in industry as MossyOak), camouflage patterns sold under the trademark Realtree®, digitalcamouflage, flannel, solid colors, or any other type of color and/orpattern combination. In addition or in the alternative, the colorpattern can include any sort of logo, text, advertisement, etc. Thecolor pattern can alternatively be a natural color generally matchingthe color of the type of animal from which the antlers 12 originate.

The outward surface 30 of the body 14 and/or the cover 20 can present atexture (not shown). For example, the texture can be matte, glossy, orcan include other textures. The texture can simulate natural features ofthe animal, such as ridges simulating fur, or can include other types oftextures and surface ornamentation.

With reference to FIGS. 1-7, in the first embodiment, the body 14 istypically formed, at least in part, from a polymer. However, it shouldbe appreciated that the body 14 can be formed of any type of materialwithout departing from the nature of the present invention. The cover 20can be formed from the same type of material as the body 14 or from adifferent material than the body 14.

With continued reference to the first embodiment, the body 14 includesan inner layer 32 and an outer layer 34, as shown in the cross-sectionalview of FIG. 7. The inner layer 32 can be formed from a plastic such as,for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Alternatively, thebody 14 can be formed from a vinyl. However, it should be appreciatedthat the body 14 can be formed from any type of polymer withoutdeparting from the nature of the present invention. The plastic of theinner layer 32 is typically between 0.050 inches and 0.375 inches.

Typically the outer layer 34 is laminated to the inner layer 32, as setforth below, and presents the outward surface 30. The outer layer 34 canbe, for example, a film laminated to the inner layer 32. The laminatedfilm of the outer layer 34 is typically plastic that is laminated on,i.e., melted to, the plastic of the inner layer 32. The film can, forexample, be formed from a plastic such as an acrylic film commerciallyavailable under the trademark Korad® by Spartech PEP of Newark, N.J. Thelaminated film can be printed to have any of the patterns mentionedabove.

As set forth further below, the body 14 is typically formed from a sheet36 of plastic, as shown in FIGS. 6A-B, that includes the inner layer 32and the outer layer 34. The outer layer 34 can be applied to the innerlayer 32 before being shaped into the body 14, or alternatively, can beapplied to body 14 after formation.

The cover 20 is typically formed separately from the body 14 and issubsequently assembled to the body 14. In other words, the cover 20 ofthe first embodiment is further defined as a cap 38. As best shown inFIGS. 2-4, the body 14 presents a first edge 40 along the cutout 16 anda second edge 42 along the cutout 16 spaced from the first edge 40defining the cutout 16 therebetween. As set forth above, the cover 20abuts the body 14 and covers the cutout 16 for concealing the base 18 ofthe antlers 12. The cover 20 extends from the first edge 40 to thesecond edge 42. Specifically, the cover 20 includes a perimeter 44 thatfollows a shape of the first edge 40 and a shape of the second edge 42so that the cover 20 is flush with the body 14.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the cover 20 is typically oversized suchthat, after the antlers 12 are mounted to the mounting base 24, selectedportions of the cover 20 can be cut, e.g., with scissors or a utilityknife, to closely fit around the antlers 12. The cover 20 is shown inFIGS. 1-2 before being cut and the cover 20 is shown in FIGS. 3-4 afterbeing cut. The cover 20, for example, can be cut to have a configurationthat snaps between the antlers 12 and the body 14. It should beappreciated that the cover 20 alternatively can be formed to have shapethat generally accommodates antlers 12.

The cover 20 typically sits on the body 14 without being attached to thebody 14, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Alternatively, the cover 20 can beattached to the body 14, for example, with screws, adhesive, etc.

As best shown in FIG. 1, typically the body 14 is hollow and themounting base 24 is disposed inside the body 14. Specifically, the body14 can define a platform 46 for abutting the base 18 of the antlers 12.The platform 46 and the mounting base 24 extend along the cutout 16. Themounting base 24 can be affixed to the platform 46 with the platform 46disposed between the mounting base 24 and the cutout 16. In other words,the platform 46 and the mounting base 24 are aligned with the cutout 16such that the base 18 of the antlers 12 can be positioned in the cutout16 abutting the platform 46 and attached to the mounting base 24.

As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting base 24 can be, for example, affixed tothe body 14 with a fastener 48 such as a screw, tack, etc. In thealternative or in addition, the mounting base 24 can be retained to thebody 14, for example, by applying a coating, foam, plastic, rubber,adhesive, etc., into the body 14 to affix the mounting base 24 to thebody 14. It should be appreciated that the mounting base 24 can beaffixed to the body 14 in any suitable fashion without departing fromthe nature of the present invention.

In use, the user receives the antler mounting kit 10 typically in apartially assembled state with the cover 20 separated from the body 14as shown in FIG. 2. The user affixes the antlers 12 to the mounting base24, as set forth above and as shown in FIG. 3. The user then cutsselected portions of the cover 20, if necessary, to fit around theantlers 12 and assembles the cover 20 to the body 14, as set forthabove. As shown in FIG. 4, the antler mounting kit 10 displays theantlers 12.

The ears 62 of the antler mounting kit 10 may be unassembled from therest of the body 14 when the user receives the antler mounting kit 10.In such a scenario, the user also assembles the ears 62 to the rest ofthe body 14. For example, the ears 62 can be connected to the rest ofthe body 14 with screws (not shown). Additional pieces of material thatis the same as or similar to the material of the outer layer 34 canaccompany the antler mounting kit 10 and can be used to cover any screwsand/or screw holes.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the body 14 can be formed by thermoforming. Inthermoforming, the body 14 is typically made from the sheet 36 ofplastic, as set forth above. The sheet 36 of plastic is, for example,heated and compressed into the shape of the body 14. However, it shouldbe appreciated that the body 14 can be formed in alternative ways, suchas plastic injection molding or any other fashion without departing fromthe nature of the present invention.

In the process of thermoforming, a thermoforming tool 50 is used toshape the body 14 from the sheet 36 of plastic. The thermoforming tool50 includes a mold 52 for forming the sheet 36 of plastic and a frame 53that moves the sheet 36 of plastic toward the mold 52. Specifically, themold 52 has a body protrusion 54 for forming the sheet 36 of plastic inthe shape of the body 14. The sheet 36 of plastic is heated, forexample, with an external source and/or the mold 52 can be heated toheat the sheet 36 of plastic. The heated sheet 36 of plastic and themold 52 are then brought together to deform the sheet 36 of plasticabout the mold 52. Vacuum can also be applied to the sheet 36 of plasticto encourage deformation of the sheet 36 of plastic about the bodyprotrusion 54.

The thermoforming tool 50 is typically configured to form two halves 56of the body 14, as best shown in FIG. 1, i.e., has a body protrusion 54for each half 56 of the body 14, and the two halves 56 of the body 14are subsequently attached together. The thermoforming tool 50 caninclude two separate molds 52 each having a body protrusion 54 to formone of the halves 56. One of the two separate molds 52 is shown in FIGS.6A-6B. Alternatively, although not shown in the Figures, thethermoforming tool 50 can include a single mold that forms both halves56 of the body 14, i.e., has a body protrusion for each half 56. Thethermoforming tool 50 can also include a cover protrusion (not shown)for forming the cover 20 from the sheet 36 of plastic. The cover 20protrusion can be on the same mold(s) 52 as one or both body protrusions54 or, alternatively, can be on a separate mold.

As best shown in FIG. 1, one of the halves 56 of the body 14 includes arecessed lip 82. The recessed lip 82 is recessed so as to fit within theother half 56 of the body 14 along a seam 58 between the halves 56 ofthe body 14. For example, the back half 56 in FIG. 1, i.e., the half 56that is shown in the back in FIG. 1, includes the recessed lip 82. Thefront half 56 in FIG. 1 overlaps the recessed lip 82 of the back half 56along the seam 58. The mold 52 of the thermoforming tool 50 can includea ledge (not shown) to create the recessed lip 82 on one of the halves56. Typically, the half 56 that is shown in the back in FIG. 1 includesthe recessed lip 82, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the half 56 thatis shown in the front in FIG. 1 includes the recessed lip 82.

The thermoforming tool 50 can also include ear protrusions (not shown)shaped to form ears 62 of the body 14 from the sheet 36 of plastic. Theears 62 typically present a coloration pattern matching the colorationpattern of the body 14 and the cover 20. Each ear 62 can be formed intwo pieces and subsequently assembled together. For example, thethermoforming tool 50 can include a rear ear protrusion for forming aback portion of the ear 62 and a front ear protrusion for forming afront portion of the ear 62. The back portion and the front portion ofthe ear 62 can be assembled together with an adhesive such as, forexample, ABS glue. The back portion and the front portion of the ear 62are typically each thinner than the rest of the body 14.

After being removed from the thermoforming tool 50, the halves 56 of thebody 14 are trimmed, i.e., any excess material and flashing is removed.In the scenario where the cover 20 and/or the ears are formed with thethermoforming tool 50, the cover 20 and/or ears are also removed fromthe thermoforming tool 50 and trimmed. The two halves 56 of the body 14are typically permanently bonded to each other along the seam 58. Forexample the two halves 56 can be bonded together along the seam 58 withABS glue. In addition or in the alternative, the two halves 56 can betaped together along the seam 58. In addition or in the alternative, abead of caulk (not shown) is applied to the seam 58. In addition or inthe alternative, a coating, such as foam, rubber, plastic, adhesive,etc., can be applied to the two halves 56 of the body 14 to structurallyreinforce the body 14 along the seam 58. As one example, the coating canbe a liquid polymer such as a polyurethane coating applied to the seam58 to hold the two halves 56 together. The caulk and/or coating aretypically applied to the seam 58 along the inner layer 32 and/or alongthe recessed lip 82. A mounting hanger 60, which can be formed ofplastic, wood, etc., is typically stapled, screwed, adhered, etc., tothe body 14.

The thermoforming process typically creates the body 14 to be hollow, asset forth above. The mounting base 24 can be applied to the hollow body14 after formation of the body 14 as set forth above. Likewise, eyes 64can be formed separately and retained to the body 14 by applying acoating, foam, plastic, rubber, adhesive, etc. into the body 14. Beforesuch application, the eyes 64 are typically hot glued to the body 14.The body 14 is typically formed without holes for the eyes 64 and holesare trimmed into the body 14 to receive the eyes 64. Alternatively, theyeyes 64 can be formed by shaping the body 14 to include contours in theshape of the eyes 64. The outer layer 34 can be removed along thecontours of the eyes 64 to expose the inner layer 32 in the eyes 64.

With reference now to the second embodiment in FIGS. 8 and 9, the innerlayer 132 of the body 14 can be formed from foam and the outer layer 134of the body 14 can be formed from a polymeric covering disposed over thefoam. The foam can be, for example, a two-part polyurethane foam;however, it should be appreciated that the inner layer 132 can be formedof any type of suitable material without departing from the nature ofthe present invention. The outer layer 134 can be, for example, vinyl;however, it should be appreciated that the outer layer 134 can be of anytype of suitable material without departing from the nature of thepresent invention. The outer layer 134 is typically formed from amaterial that is flexible so that the foam inner layer 132 can fill theouter layer 134. In an alternative embodiment, the outer layer 134 canbe paint or another type of colorant/surface texturing that is applieddirectly to the foam of the inner layer 132. Paint or another type ofcolorant/surface texturing can also be applied to the outer layer 134.The outer layer 134 is typically a material that is easily cleaned andmaintained.

In the second embodiment, the mounting base 24 can be formed separatelyfrom the body 14 and subsequently fixed to the body 14. In such anembodiment, the mounting base 24 can be overmolded by the foam of theinner layer 132, as set forth further below. When overmolded, themounting base 24 is typically at least partially encapsulated by thefoam of the inner layer 132 so that the foam rigidly supports themounting base 24. Alternatively, the mounting base 24 can be integrallyformed with the body 14, e.g., as a dense foam or a plastic block thathas a dimensions sufficient to attach to and support the antlers 12. Insuch an embodiment, the body 14 is typically formed of a relatively lowdensity foam and the mounting base 24 is typically formed of arelatively high density material for firmly receiving the screws.

In the second embodiment, the cover 20 is further defined as at leastone flap 66 that is connected to the outer layer 134 near the mountingbase 24 and is moveable so that the mounting base 24 can be exposed.Specifically, the flap 66 typically includes a fixed end 68 fixed to theouter layer 134 and a free end 70 that extends loosely from the fixedend 68. The flap 66 is typically formed from the same type of materialas the outer layer 134 and is integrally formed with the outer layer 134so that the flap 66 seamlessly extends from the outer layer 134 at thefixed end 68 of the flap 66, i.e., as a single piece with the outerlayer 134. The cover 20 can have more than one flap 66. However, itshould be appreciated that the cover 20 can include any number of flaps66 without departing from the nature of the present invention.

The fixed ends 68 of the flaps 66 are typically disposed near sides ofthe mounting base 24 such that the flaps 66 are moved toward each othertoward the middle of the base 18 of the antlers 12. Alternatively, thefixed end 68 can be disposed forward of the mounting base 24, i.e.,closer to the snout of the body 14, so that, when the antlers 12 areaffixed to the mounting base 24, the flap 66 can be extended back, i.e.,toward the neck of the body 14, over the base 18 of the antlers 12. Inan alternative embodiment, the flap 66 can be a separate, i.e.,unattached, piece of material the same as or similar to the material ofthe outer layer 134. This separate flap 66 can cover 20 the base 18 ofthe antlers 12 and adhere to the outer layer 134.

The antlers 12 are mounted to the mounting base 24, as set forth above,and the flap 66 is extended over the base 18 of the antlers 12 and thefree end 70 of the flap 66 is secured to the outer layer 134 to concealthe base 18 of the antlers 12. The outer layer 134 and the flap 66 canbe formed of a common material that adheres to itself so that the flap66 adheres to the outer layer 134 when the flap 66 is extended over thebase 18 of the antlers 12 and contacted with the rest of the outer layer134. Alternatively, or in addition, an adhesive can be applied to theflap 66 to adhere the flap 66 to the base 18 of the antlers 12 and tothe outer layer 134. A removable backing (not shown) can be disposed onthe flap 66 to prevent inadvertent adhesion between the flap 66 and theouter layer 134. Free edges of the flap 66 can be wavy, which aids inmatching any type of color pattern on the free edges with that of theouter layer 134.

If the shape of the body 14 is one that is typically mounted to a wallfor display, a mounting hanger 60 can be disposed in or on the body 14.The body 14 is fixed to the mounting hanger 60 and the mounting hanger60 typically includes features for being mounted to a wall.

The body 14 can include features such as eyes 64 and ears 62. The eyes64 and ears 62 can be integrally formed with the rest of the cover 20and body 14, i.e., formed with the rest of the cover 20 and body 14 as asingle piece, or alternatively, can be separately formed components thatare subsequently added to rest of the cover 20 and body 14.

Additional pieces of material that is the same as or similar to thematerial of the outer layer 134 can accompany the antler mounting kit10. These additional pieces can be applied to the outer layer 134 tomatch the flap 66 with the rest of the outer layer 134 and/or to patchdamaged areas of the outer layer 134. Also, in an embodiment where theears 62 are attached to the rest of the body 14 by the user, the ears 62are typically screwed into the rest of the body 14 and the small piecescan be used to cover any screws and/or screw holes.

The body 14 can be manufactured with the use of a mold 72 as shown inFIG. 9. The mold 72 can be, for example, a foam mold such that liquidcomponents of foam can be introduced into the mold 72 to take the shapeof the mold 72.

The outer layer 134 can be added to the inner layer 132 during theformation of the body 14. For example, the outer layer 134 can bedisposed in the mold 72 when the material used to manufacture the innerlayer 132 is disposed into the mold 72, e.g., when the foam fills theouter layer 134 in the mold 72. Alternatively, the inner layer 132 canbe formed without the outer layer 134 and the outer layer 134 can besubsequently applied to the inner layer 132.

The mold 72 can be, for example, a two piece mold 72 having a first moldhalf 74 and a second mold half 76. The outer layer 134 can be initiallydivided into a first portion 78 that is placed into the first mold half74 and a second portion 80 that is placed into the second mold half 76.The outer layer 134 can be flexible, as set forth above, and cangenerally assume the shape of the mold 72 half. The first and secondportions 78, 80 of the outer layer 134 typically overflow around edgesof the first and second mold halves 74, 76, respectively. The first andsecond mold halves 74, 76 are then brought together and the first andsecond portions 78, 80 of the outer layer 134 contact each other. Thefirst and second portions 78, 80 of the outer layer 134 naturally adhereto each other, as set forth above, and/or can be adhered together withan adhesive and/or heat. In the embodiment where the mounting base 24 isformed separately from the body 14, the mounting base 24 can be disposedin the outer layer 134 in the mold 72 to be at least partiallyencapsulated by the foam of the inner layer 132 in the mold 72.

The material to create the inner layer 132 is disposed, typically in aliquid form, into the outer layer 134 such that the outer layer 134 isdisposed between the inner layer 132 and the mold 72. Uponsolidification, the first and second mold halves 74, 76 are separatedand the inner layer 132 and the outer layer 134 are fixed together andremoved from the mold 72 as a unit. If necessary, the seam between thefirst and second portions of the outer layer 134 can be trimmed toremove excess material.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is tobe understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to bein the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Manymodifications and variations of the present invention are possible inlight of the above teachings, and the invention may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described.

1. An antler mounting kit for displaying antlers obtained from a liveanimal, said antler mounting kit comprising: a body that is formed froma polymer and that replicates natural contours of at least a portion ofa head of the live animal; a mounting base affixed to said body andpositioned to support the antlers in an anatomically correct positionthat replicates antler position on the head of the live animal; saidbody presenting a first edge and a second edge spaced from said firstedge defining a cutout therebetween extending along said mounting basefor receiving a base of the antlers; a cover that replicates naturalcontours of a portion of the head of the live animal and abuts said bodyand covers said cutout for concealing the base of the antlers, saidcover being formed separately from said body and subsequently assembledto said body with said cover extending from said first edge to saidsecond edge; said body including an outward surface that presents acoloration pattern different than a natural color of the live animal andsaid cover presenting a coloration pattern matching said colorationpattern of said body.
 2. The antler mounting kit as set forth in claim 1wherein said cover includes a perimeter that follows a shape of thefirst edge and a shape of the second edge so that said cover is flushwith said body.
 3. The antler mounting kit as set forth in claim 1wherein said body is hollow and said mounting base is disposed insidesaid body.
 4. The antler mounting kit as set forth in claim 3 whereinsaid body defines a platform along said cutout for abutting the base ofthe antlers, said mounting base being affixed to said platform with saidplatform disposed between said mounting base and said cutout.
 5. Theantler mounting kit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said colorationpattern is a hunting camouflage pattern.
 6. The antler mounting kit asset forth in claim 1 wherein said body is formed from a plastic.
 7. Theantler mounting kit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said body includesan inner layer formed from a plastic and an outer layer presenting saidoutward surface, said outer layer being a film laminated to said innerlayer.
 8. An antler mounting kit for displaying antlers, said antlermounting kit comprising: a body that is formed from a polymer and thatreplicates natural contours of at least a portion of a head of ananimal; a mounting base fixed relative to said body and positioned tosupport the antlers in an anatomically correct position that replicatesantler position on the head of the animal; said body defining a cutoutextending along said mounting base for receiving a base of the antlers;a cover that replicates natural contours of a portion of the head of theanimal and abuts said body and covers said cutout for concealing thebase of the antlers.
 9. The antler mounting kit as set forth in claim 8wherein said body presents a first edge along said cutout and a secondedge along said cutout spaced from said first edge defining said cutouttherebetween, said cover extending from said first edge to said secondedge.
 10. The antler mounting kit as set forth in claim 9 wherein saidcover includes a perimeter that follows a shape of the first edge and ashape of the second edge so that said cover is flush with said body. 11.The antler mounting kit as set forth in claim 8 wherein said cover isformed separately from said body and is subsequently assembled to saidbody.
 12. The antler mounting kit as set forth in claim 8 wherein saidmounting base is formed separately from said body and subsequentlyaffixed to said body.
 13. The antler mounting kit as set forth in claim8 wherein said body is hollow and said mounting base is disposed insidesaid body.
 14. The antler mounting kit as set forth in claim 13 whereinsaid body defines a platform along said cutout for abutting the base ofthe antlers, said mounting base being affixed to said platform with saidplatform disposed between said mounting base and said cutout.
 15. Theantler mounting kit as set forth in claim 8 wherein said body includesan outward surface that presents a coloration pattern different than anatural color of the animal.
 16. The antler mounting kit as set forth inclaim 15 wherein said cover presents a coloration pattern matching saidcoloration pattern of said body.
 17. The antler mounting kit as setforth in claim 15 wherein said coloration pattern is a huntingcamouflage pattern.
 18. The antler mounting kit as set forth in claim 15wherein said body includes an inner layer and an outer layer laminatedto said inner layer, said outer layer presenting said outward surface.19. The antler mounting kit as set forth in claim 15 wherein said bodyincludes an inner layer formed from a plastic and an outer layerpresenting said outward surface, said outer layer being a film laminatedto said inner layer.
 20. The antler mounting kit as set forth in claim 8wherein said body is formed from a plastic.